Congregation Bible Study for the Week of April 5-11, 2027

Chapter 32: “O Jehovah, please open his eyes”

In what ways did Elisha show courage?

Comment 1: Elisha showed courage by accepting an assignment that involved facing very powerful people. During his training with Elijah, he had to face Ahab, Jezebel, and Ahaziah. Later, when his teacher was no longer at his side, he moved forward and led the sons of the prophets in opposing Baal worship. His courage was not limited to one extraordinary moment; it was seen in his determination to continue serving Jehovah despite opposition.

Comment 2: When the Syrian army surrounded Dothan, Elisha remained calm and helped his attendant to calm down. He did not deny that there were soldiers or that they wanted to capture him. Instead, he took into account something his attendant could not yet see: Jehovah’s support and that of His angels. This teaches us that courage based on faith does not mean ignoring problems, but remembering that Jehovah’s resources are far greater than any threat.

Comment 3: He also showed courage by leading the soldiers to Samaria and opposing the king of Israel’s desire to kill them. Those men had gone to capture him, but Elisha did not use their situation to take revenge. He directed that they be given food and sent home. This seems to me to be a very balanced display of courage: he could act firmly in the face of an army and at the same time advocate compassionate treatment of his enemies. His confidence in Jehovah did not make him hard or cruel.

1. What did Elisha do when Jehovah chose him as a prophet, and what does this teach us about his personality? (1 Kings 19:19-21; it “Elisha” par. 2).

1 Kings 19:19-21 — So he went from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat while he was plowing with 12 pairs of bulls ahead of him, and he was with the 12th pair. So Elijah went over to him and threw his official garment on him. At that he left the bulls and ran after Elijah and said: “Please, let me kiss my father and my mother. Then I will follow you.” He replied to him: “Go, return, for what have I done to stop you?” So he went back and took a pair of bulls and sacrificed them, and he used the plowing gear to boil the meat of the bulls and gave it to the people, and they ate. After that he rose up and followed Elijah and began to minister to him.

Comment 1: The account highlights how quickly Elisha responded. He was working when Elijah indicated that he had been chosen, and he immediately followed him. Then he said goodbye to his parents, prepared a meal, and began serving Elijah. He did not put off the opportunity until a more convenient time. His reaction shows that he greatly valued Jehovah’s call and was willing to make important changes in order to respond to it.

Comment 2: One very significant detail is that he sacrificed a pair of bulls and used the wood from the plow and yoke to cook the meat. The reference explains that this showed promptness, determination, and appreciation for Jehovah’s call. His response was not merely verbal; he took concrete steps to begin a new stage of life. This makes me think that appreciation for an opportunity to serve is shown by decisions, not merely by saying that we would like to do more.

Comment 3: Elisha also showed humility. Although he had been chosen to succeed Elijah, he began by serving as his attendant. He did not feel that his appointment made training unnecessary. He was willing to learn from a more experienced servant of Jehovah and to carry out service tasks. His example reminds us that accepting a responsibility does not mean that we already know everything. We can show the same spirit by listening, allowing ourselves to be taught, and valuing tasks that enable us to help others.

2. Why did Elisha ask Elijah for “a double portion” of his spirit? (2 Kings 2:9; w03 11/1 31).

2 Kings 2:9 — As soon as they had gone across, Elijah said to Elisha: “Ask what you want me to do for you before I am taken from you.” So Elisha said: “Please, may I receive a double portion of your spirit?”

Comment 1: Apparently, Elisha was thinking of the double portion of the inheritance given to a firstborn son. Elijah had other spiritual sons, but Elisha had been appointed as his successor and occupied a position comparable to that of the firstborn. So he asked for a double portion in a spiritual sense. We should not interpret his request as a desire to compete with Elijah or to make himself more important. He wanted what was necessary to carry out the responsibility Jehovah had entrusted to him.

Comment 2: The request also showed that Elisha recognized his limitations. He was about to succeed Elijah as prophet of Israel, and he understood that such an assignment required much more than personal ability. He needed the strength that only Jehovah could give him. Rather than relying simply on the years of experience he already had, he asked for spiritual help. This is a good lesson for us: experience is valuable, but it never replaces our dependence on Jehovah.

Comment 3: What Elisha needed included the courage and zeal he had seen in Elijah. His teacher had defended true worship before wicked rulers and had shown deep devotion to Jehovah. Elisha wanted to face his new assignment with that same spirit. Thus, his request was not focused on receiving a position, but on having the qualities needed to fulfill it. We too can ask for help to be more courageous and zealous in serving Jehovah.

3. Why is it logical to think that the blindness Jehovah caused the Syrians was mental and not literal? (it “Blindness” par. 6).

2 Kings 6:18-20 — When the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to Jehovah and said: “Please, strike this nation with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, just as Elisha had requested. Elisha now said to them: “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and let me lead you to the man you are looking for.” However, he led them to Samaria. When they arrived in Samaria, Elisha said: “O Jehovah, open their eyes so that they may see.” So Jehovah opened their eyes, and they saw that they were in the middle of Samaria.

Comment 1: The account says that the soldiers followed Elisha to Samaria; it does not say that they had to be led by the hand. This fits mental blindness, in which they could see but did not properly understand what was before them. If the entire army had completely lost its sight, it would have needed another kind of assistance to travel. Thus, the explanation that their blindness was not literal harmonizes with the way the journey is described.

Comment 2: Another detail is that they did not correctly identify the man guiding them or understand where they had arrived until Jehovah opened their eyes. They had set out to capture Elisha but ended up following him to Israel’s capital. When they regained the ability to understand what they were seeing, they recognized that they were in the middle of Samaria. The change emphasized by the account is precisely this recognition of their situation, supporting the explanation that the blindness was mental in nature.

Comment 3: We do well to maintain the caution with which the publication explains it. It presents mental blindness as the explanation that fits the details, but it does not claim that we know exactly how Jehovah produced that effect. We can understand the difference between seeing something and understanding it without trying to give a medical diagnosis of the miracle. What is clear is that Jehovah could prevent those soldiers from accomplishing their objective and later restore their ability to recognize where they were.

4. What things did Elisha do as a prophet? (it “Elisha” pars. 27, 28).

Comment 1: Elisha continued the work Elijah had begun to help the people return to Jehovah. He did not merely take Elijah’s place; he worked hard to carry on the defense of true worship. Although his ministry was quieter than Elijah’s, he also showed great zeal for Jehovah’s name. His service teaches us to value continuity: faithfully supporting good work can be just as important as starting it.

Comment 2: Jehovah used Elisha to perform many miracles. The reference says that he performed 15 during his lifetime and that there was another one involving him after his death. The works mentioned include the healing of Naaman and resurrections. But the power did not come from Elisha; he acted by means of God’s spirit. So when we think about his miracles, the main point is not to admire a personal ability of the prophet, but to recognize Jehovah’s power.

2 Kings 13:20-21 — After that Elisha died and was buried. There were Moabite marauder bands that would come into the land at the beginning of the year. As some men were burying a man, they saw the marauder band, so they quickly threw the man into Elisha’s burial place and ran off. When the man touched the bones of Elisha, he came to life and stood on his feet.

Comment 3: This episode shows that Jehovah used Elisha for a miracle even after his death. Some men threw a corpse into his burial place when they saw marauders approaching, and the man came to life when he touched Elisha’s bones. The reference presents this event as evidence of God’s approval of Elisha, who had remained faithful to the end. The merit and power still belonged to Jehovah, not to human remains.

In what situations can “seeing” the angels with the eyes of faith help us?

Comment 1: The picture of the sister in the hospital presents a very concrete situation. She is under pressure to accept a transfusion and needs courage to remain faithful to Jehovah. Remembering that he has help available that we cannot see can strengthen her to explain her decision firmly and respectfully. The account does not allow us to promise that all medical difficulties will disappear. But it does help us not to confuse being surrounded by people who do not share our faith with being abandoned by Jehovah.

Comment 2: It can also help us when we meet opposition or much indifference in the ministry. If we focus only on people’s reactions, we might feel that we have very little support. Elisha teaches us to broaden our perspective and remember that Jehovah’s help is not limited to what we can observe. Keeping the reality of his angels in mind can give us courage to continue our work calmly, without responding with hostility or allowing discouragement to take control.

Comment 3: It can be useful when we feel that we are few in the face of a very great difficulty. The attendant saw two men surrounded by an army; Elisha took Jehovah’s resources into account. Seeing with the eyes of faith does not mean imagining that we know what the angels are doing at every moment. It means trusting that Jehovah is not limited by what we see. That trust can help us pray and act courageously, even though we do not yet know how the problem will be resolved.

What can the elders and the rest of the congregation learn from the way Elisha encouraged his attendant?

Comment 1: Elisha did not rebuke his attendant for being afraid. He recognized his distress and spoke to reassure him. The elders can imitate him by patiently listening to someone who is worried, even if the situation seems easier for them to face. And all of us can avoid comments that make someone feel guilty for being afraid. Before explaining what the person should do, it is best to help him feel understood. Calmness and consideration can prepare the heart to receive encouragement.

Comment 2: Elisha gave his attendant a reason to regain his calm: he helped him see that they had support superior to that of the enemy. He did not simply ask him to stop worrying. This teaches the elders and all of us to give encouragement with a solid basis. We can share a Bible account and help the person recognize what it teaches about Jehovah. In that way, his confidence will depend not only on our reassuring words, but on sound reasons for trusting in him.

Comment 3: I find it very meaningful that Elisha prayed for what his attendant needed. He already trusted in Jehovah’s help, but he wanted his companion to perceive it too. This encourages us not to be content with being calm ourselves. We can pray with those who suffer and for them, asking that they have strength and confidence. The goal is not for them to admire our faith, but to help them strengthen their own and draw closer to Jehovah in the midst of their difficulty.

In what ways can you imitate Elisha’s courageous example?

Comment 1: I can imitate him by being willing to act when an opportunity to serve Jehovah arises, even if it requires changes. Elisha responded decisively to the call and accepted training from Elijah. In my case, this may mean not immediately rejecting a responsibility simply because it makes me feel insecure. Before deciding, I can pray, consider the help available, and think about how to prepare. Courage does not require feeling that I can do everything, but being willing to learn and depend on Jehovah.

Comment 2: Another way is to turn to Jehovah before allowing fear to determine my reaction. When the army approached, Elisha prayed and acted with confidence in divine help. I can cultivate that same habit when facing opposition or a test of loyalty. Instead of thinking only about what could go wrong, I can remember what Jehovah has demonstrated about his power and care. This will help me make decisions by faith, not merely by fear.

Comment 3: I can also imitate his courage by remaining kind when someone treats me badly. Elisha did not ask for the soldiers who had come to capture him to be punished; he asked that they be fed. At times it takes courage not to return an insult or to treat respectfully someone who opposes us. His example reminds me that defending my faith does not require speaking harshly. I can stand firm for what pleases Jehovah and at the same time show consideration for the person.

What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

Comment 1: It teaches me that Jehovah’s resources are far superior to those of any adversary. The king of Syria sent an army with horses and chariots, but he could neither surprise Jehovah nor prevent him from protecting his prophet. Moreover, Jehovah already knew the attack plans and revealed them to Elisha. This helps me remember that a situation can seem beyond our control without being beyond Jehovah’s reach. He sees much more than we can see.

Comment 2: It also teaches me that Jehovah cares about the needs of his servants, including their fear. He did more than thwart the attempt to capture Elisha; he responded to the request that his attendant be able to see the available help. That man needed to regain his confidence, and Jehovah cared for that need. This is a very tender detail of the account. It allows us to approach him in prayer without thinking that our concerns are too small to express to him.

Comment 3: The way the episode ended helps me appreciate that Jehovah’s power is not separate from mercy. The soldiers were helpless in Samaria, but Elisha directed that they not be killed; instead, they were to be given food and sent home. The intervention did not end in a slaughter. This outcome teaches me not to confuse power with harshness and encourages me to value compassion, even when I have reasons to be upset with someone.

How does this account relate to Jehovah’s purpose and the Bible’s main theme?

Comment 1: The account highlights Jehovah’s superiority and the importance of his name. Elisha defended true worship against Baal worship, and the help he received showed that he served the true God. This relates to the sanctification of Jehovah’s name: what happened gave reasons to honor him and trust in him. The focus of the account is not Elisha’s greatness, but what Jehovah demonstrated by sustaining his prophet before a much greater human force.

Comment 2: It also relates to our confidence that Jehovah can accomplish his purpose through his Kingdom. The Syrian army seemed to control the situation, but it could not prevail against God’s power. This episode is not presented as a prophecy of the Kingdom; nevertheless, it teaches us something fundamental about its Ruler: no human force is greater than his resources. Therefore, when considering what Jehovah purposes to do, we do not need to measure his possibilities by our limitations or by the power of his opposers.

Comment 3: The miracles associated with Elisha also help us trust in Jehovah’s purpose to restore the dead to life. The reference recalls resurrections and describes how a man came back to life after being thrown into the prophet’s burial place. These events show that Jehovah has power over death. Thus, the chapter not only encourages us to trust in his help when facing a present threat; it also strengthens our confidence that he can restore life to those who have died.

What would I like to ask Elisha when he is resurrected?

Comment 1: I would like to ask him what teachings from Elijah proved especially useful when he had to continue without him. We know that he loyally accompanied him and learned at his side, but it would be very nice to hear which counsel or experiences he remembered. We cannot know now what his answer would be. Even so, the question makes me value more highly the training we receive from experienced brothers and encourages me to pay attention, because what we learn today may strengthen us when we face future responsibilities.

Comment 2: I would ask him how he experienced the moment when Jehovah opened his attendant’s eyes. The account tells us what the attendant was able to see, but not all the details of what happened between them afterward. I would like to hear Elisha speak about that experience. Until that day comes, the question reminds me of something we do know: he was not content to have personal confidence; he was interested in helping his companion overcome fear.

Comment 3: I would like to ask him how he cultivated that balance between firmness and kindness over so many years. He zealously defended Jehovah’s name while at the same time showing patience and compassion. It would be very enriching to hear him speak about what he learned while serving as a prophet. That question also moves me to examine my conduct now: I do not have to wait to learn more details about his life before striving to be courageous without becoming hard, and kind without ceasing to be loyal to Jehovah.

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